Prevalence and Presenting Features of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Iraqi Obese Females

Abstract

Background:Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) constitutes the most common endocrinopathyof women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS manifest hyperandrogenemia,hyperinsulinemia, and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis aberrations.Objective:The objective of the present study was to find the prevalence and the presentingfeatures of PCO patients and associated manifestations in relation to biochemicaland anthropometric parameters in adult obese women attending obesity research andtherapy unit.Methods:Patients diagnosed as PCOS according to Androgen Excess and PCOS Society/2009criteria were grouped into two groups: those with BMI less than 30kg/m2 and thosewith BMI 30kg/m2 and more. Blood was drawn for biochemical and hormonalassay. Information tabulated, means and percentages used, and the results wereanalyzed.Results: The number of adult females 20-40 years of age attending Obesityresearch and therapy unit (ORTU) during February 2013 to February 2014 was 756,(14.3%) of them had PCOS, (65%) were diagnosed during examination. (94.4%) hadmenstrual disturbances, (63.8%) had hirsutism and (91.7%) had PCOS ultrasoundfindings. Mean BMI of the patients with PCOS was 33.62 (SD 4.21). Mean LHexceeded mean FSH in patients with PCOS and it was more evident with increasingBMI where it was doubled in those with BMI more than 30 kg/m2. LH/FSH ratio forBMI above 30 was 2.1, and although testosterone level was elevated showed nostatistical relation to BMI. The fasting glucose level, cholesterol and triglycerideslevels showed the same pattern of elevation that with increasing BMI.Conclusions:The prevalence of PCOS in females (20-40y) attending ORTU was 14%, of them65% were undiagnosed before, 63% had hirsutism, 94% had menstrual disturbancesand 90% had ultrasonic features of polycystic ovary. These findings suggest the needto stress on diagnosing PCOS in adult female during management of obesity.